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flux core wire question

01-16-2010, 12:03 PM

I was shopping for some flux core wire for my 120v mig welder, Just wondering if the cheeper (harbor freight, northern tool) brands of flux wire have the same strength properties as the hobart wire, thanks for your comments.

Comment

I've only used the cheaper, generic stuff a couple times.
The strength of it is probably comparable- but it sure splatters and throws stuff around more.
It might be my imagination, but I think it took more of it for the same welds as 'good stuff'.

Cheap welding wire is like cheap 'anything else'.
It'll work, but is not as pleasant to use or as user friendly as the good stuff.
.

"Gone are the days of wooden ships, and Iron men.
I doubt we'll see either of their likes again".

Circa 1920.
Author:
Unknown US Coast Guard unit Commander.

Comment

I can't answer from direct experience because I've never bought cheap flux core. However, my 'real' job as an engineer involves working with suppliers of soldering fluxes and I can tell you that there's a world of difference in quality between the good suppliers and the cheap ones. A lot of high tech chemistry goes into making good fluxes. I suspect the same is true of welding wire.

Comment

I've only used the cheaper, generic stuff a couple times.
The strength of it is probably comparable- but it sure splatters and throws stuff around more.
It might be my imagination, but I think it took more of it for the same welds as 'good stuff'.

Cheap welding wire is like cheap 'anything else'.
It'll work, but is not as pleasant to use or as user friendly as the good stuff.
.

Thanks Ed! Cheap does not pay...

"If you build it, they will come!"

Comment

i run HF hard wire in my 211 and it's welds great. (OK so it's probably the 211) but if your only welding with a 110V machine i find that the HF wires work good with the smaller machines. the only thing that i found with the cheap wires is that there size is a little off.(the wire is probably the reject wire from Hobart) tractor supply sells Hobart wire and I'm not impressed with it.
but for doing my welding that matters i use 21b from my WS at $120+ a role.

so it really comes down to what your welding. and spending $20 or $120

Comment

The solid wire I've bought from HF is Italian-made and works just fine. That said, I've never used their flux core. But don't count it out just because it's Harbor Freight. Some of their suppliers make good stuff, some bad.